Twelve Maltese persons have been arrested in Sicily after they were caught with protected birds and unlicensed firearms, Sicilian media report.

The Maltese citizens – the media did not give their gender or ages – were held by Italian authorities at Pozzallo as they were about to embark on the catamaran to Malta.

Some of them were caught with dead protected birds, carrying weapons without a licence and being in possession of bird-callers, lasers and other equipment which is prohibited.

Kaccaturi San Ubertu statement

Kaccaturi San Ubertu KSU said that it upholds legal and sustainable hunting and deplores any acts that  put this practice under a bad light.

“KSU practices a policy of zero tolerance towards hunting or trapping illegalities. KSU awaits the Sicilian Court’s verdict and the publication of names of those charged. Should any of those charged be a KSU member it will permanently revoke membership. Over the years KSU has worked towards eradicating abuse and trusts that such individuals find no shelter from all other hunting organizations. “